There’s a somewhat peculiar passage in the early chapters of both Matthew and Luke’s gospels. It speaks of being baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire. We read that this is an act that the Messiah, Jesus, will do, over and above John’s baptism in water.

Christians around the world know that this past Wednesday we entered into the season of Lent. It all begins each year with Ash Wednesday.

Lent comes from the Dutch word Lente, meaning “Spring” (I think there’s some German background in there as well). It’s a 40-day season (not counting Sundays) centered around a time of examining our lives, repentance, and fasting. We do this as we remember Christ’s own 40-day period in the wilderness.

In all, Lent culminates with the weekend of Good Friday, Silent Saturday, and then Resurrection Sunday (Mar 30 – Apr 1 this year).

But many people may ask why we participate in Lent? It seems so stuffy and religious, so outdated. So why participate in it? Continue reading →